My Hemi parts purchase has come down to 2 gentleman. Tim Banning and Ray Barton. Who do you like and why?

How many ET or MPH records has Tim Banning set?

The op never said he was looking to set a record so I’m assuming this will be a street performance motor. Either will would be fine. I’ve done business with Tim in the past and he answers the phone and answers questions.

Thats correct. Not looking to break any records. Just looking to pick up a paper trophy at the track once in a while. Gonna do business with one of these guys and right now i have a much better gut about Tim than Ray, but need to be sure. Building a 572 12:1 street/strip deal. Tim suggested a 590 and he seemed to be very honest as well.

How many have you set, How many for Crower, Stage V, Dart and so on
Both are excellent parts providers, machined or not

Well, the thing that's really bugging me at this point is Tim didn't have anything good to say about that Bill Mitchell aluminum block and Ray seemed to be just fine with it. Something not right with that.

Tim helps make and sells KB blocks, Ray will use what he can get as long as the customer is happy with those choices, especially on street parts

Tim did say the KB block used 1/2" main and head studs and the BM has something smaller can't remember what size. I'm just about to the point now of pulling the trigger on the KB block. It is a much nicer block no doubt. Tim would be the guy at that point.

Just curious, 590 cubes ?

Yes, 590.

I've never spoken with Barton but I have done business with Tim. Tim is A#1 in my book and a true gentleman and I'd recommend him in a heartbeat!

https://youtu.be/3lE4FFZKiYM Just one mans experience with BM products, but i think it's enough for me. I'll get the KB block ordered from Tim. As for the heads, i'm sure either guy can get me straight with the best match to my combo, but with this kind of money i want the best most knowledgable guy with the best cnc programs.

That's definatly good to here.

Tim moves the steam holes away from the sleeves so you should use his block,heads and gaskets.
I had a coolant seepage from the steam holes around the sleeves with the BM block, Victor Jr. heads and Cometic gaskets I got from Ray. He said he saw that problem more than a few times when I called him about it.

I guess opinions are like assholes everybody has one, I have had a world products aluminum wedge block in my race car for 10 years, best money I ever spent. three years ago I broke a rod and blew it up, Called BM and they gave me all the info, and specs I needed in getting it welded and repaired. Even though they had no blocks to sell me at the time.

Ok what KB block have you decided on. I keep walking by the big MM Cam KB in the garage and it is so pretty and has so much built into the block. Did you ask Tim about the blocks and what timing belt or chain it takes.The belt is expensive but works and there are other things to talk about with each builder when building a Hemi.There are options now a days. If you are building a good race motor maybe the bigger cam is good but looks like you want a good street motor. I have not heard much about the Bill Mitchell block and how much HP you can put through it. Might be fine but looking at the KB block it sure has a lot more to it. If you wonder about the KB ask Darrel Beal I believe is his name on moparts he did a lot of the work on the new KB Block. Both Ray and Tim both build good products and there are a few others that are on Moparts that build a real good hemi. Ray has more experience with Iron block and heads Super Stock Motors, Banning went to the big motors a long time ago and that is what he is best at, I have seen some awesome Dyno numbers on motors that he has built but these are NSS big cube hemi motors.

I would call Best machine and discuss your goals and let them decide the best avenue to go.
They have built tons of hemi’s and have a very good reputation... and are pretty close to you

Dave, I really hope you go with a 12:1 588 from Tim, for selfish reasons, because that's exactly my plan when I retire in a couple years.
Although either Ray or Tim put out a quality piece, Tim seems to have the edge when it comes to the pro-street combination.

We mainly talked stage v head, but he did ask me if i was gonna run a belt. I will be using a chain or gear drive. He knows i'm doing a street deal. Since i have the money and the KB is a better block, thats what i'm gonna get. No more wondering or guessing to get a good block.

Thats is nice to know. Tells me Tim is on top of these issues. Just what i'm trying to avoid.
Don: I did speak with Best a few weeks ago because i wanted them to do all the machine work. They didn't say much about the BM block and suggested that i use the Victor head. Looks like all the machining will be done on the KB if i buy from Tim.